[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 52 (Wednesday, April 14, 2010)]
[House]
[Pages H2537-H2542]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING COAL MINERS FROM UPPER BIG BRANCH MINE IN WEST VIRGINIA
Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the
rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1236) honoring the coal
miners who perished in the Upper Big Branch Mine-South in Raleigh
County, West Virginia, extending condolences to their families and
recognizing the valiant efforts of emergency response workers at the
mine disaster.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 1236
Whereas coal mining is a time-honored profession and miners
and their families have shaped the history and rich culture
of West Virginia and the Nation;
Whereas the Nation is greatly indebted to coal miners for
the difficult and dangerous work they perform to provide the
fuel needed to keep the Nation strong and secure;
Whereas the Nation has long recognized the importance of
health and safety protections for miners who labor in extreme
and dangerous conditions;
Whereas accidents in the Nation's mines have again and
again taken the lives of coal miners;
Whereas 29 West Virginia miners tragically perished in the
Upper Big Branch Mine-South following an explosion on April
5, 2010;
Whereas this was the worst coal mining disaster in the
Nation over the last 40 years;
Whereas Federal, State, and local rescue crews worked
tirelessly night and day in courageous rescue and recovery
efforts;
Whereas the families of the fallen miners have suffered
immeasurable loss; and
Whereas residents of Raleigh County and throughout West
Virginia came together to support the miners' families: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) recognizes the ultimate sacrifice made by the 29 coal
miners lost at the Upper Big Branch Mine-South, Raleigh
County, West Virginia;
(2) extends the deepest condolences of the Nation to the
families of these men;
(3) recognizes all coal miners for enduring the loss of
their coworkers and maintaining courage throughout this
ordeal;
(4) commends the rescue crews for their valiant efforts to
find these miners; and
(5) honors the many volunteers who provided support and
comfort for the miners' families during the rescue and
recovery operations.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
[[Page H2538]]
California (Mr. George Miller) and the gentlewoman from Washington
(Mrs. McMorris Rodgers) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.
General Leave
Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative
days during which Members may revise and extend their remarks and
include extraneous material on House Resolution 1236 into the Record.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from California?
There was no objection.
Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. At this time, I yield 7 minutes to
the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall).
Mr. RAHALL. Thank you, Mr. Chairman George Miller.
Mr. Speaker, last week, on Monday, April 5, an explosion tore through
the Upper Big Branch Mine in Raleigh, West Virginia, taking the lives
of 29 good, hardworking men. It was the repeat of a recurring nightmare
that has haunted the coalfields of our Nation for generations, and it
is a tragedy that never should have occurred.
Immediately upon receiving news of the explosion at the Upper Big
Branch Mine, I rushed to the scene to be with the families. For me, it
was, unfortunately, not an unfamiliar circumstance. I have spent too
many anxious hours within the aftermath of mine accidents in the midst
of family and friends, of coworkers and survivors, awaiting word. The
watching, hoping and praying for survivors to emerge from the darkness
into the arms of their loved ones is a heart-wrenching exercise, but
being surrounded by such warmth and love, generosity and faith is
heartwarming at the same time.
The people of coal mining communities, in particular those of
southern West Virginia, are a special breed. Generations of these
families go into our mines. For so many of these miners, it is not a
job; it is a calling. They live with the knowledge that there is risk,
but they are proud to take that risk to labor in the company of good
and loyal friends, to earn an honest paycheck in order to provide for
their families and for themselves.
The miners at Upper Big Branch were just such men. Like coal miners
throughout the ages, they did difficult work in dangerous
circumstances. They labored underground in cramped conditions in the
damp and the dark, but outside the mines, their lives were full of
light and love and joy. They had wives and children and grandchildren.
They hunted, pranked and laughed together, and they experienced many
warm memories and gentle sorrows. While most Americans can scarcely
imagine what a coal miner's day at work is really like or will never
really understand our coal miners, we certainly appreciate what their
labors have meant in our daily lives.
The toil of these coal miners, of all coal miners, has fueled our
Nation's economic engine, ensuring our military security by providing
coal not just to the generation of power but as an essential element in
the steelmaking process. All coal miners are deserving of our gratitude
and of our renewed commitment to ensure that such tragedies never occur
again.
Countless individuals can be thanked for their help during this
disaster. I thank our Governor, Joe Manchin, III, for his leadership;
both of our U.S. Senators, Jay Rockefeller and Robert C. Byrd; our
Secretary of Labor, Hilda Solis, who twice visited us during this week;
her assistant secretary for Mine Safety and Health Administration, Joe
Main, there every day and night; Ron Wooten, our West Virginia division
Mine Safety and Health training director; Jimmy Gianato, director of
our West Virginia Homeland Security. Both of these individuals were
there every day and night, 24/7, for an entire week. I thank our West
Virginia head coach, Bobby Huggins, for his uplifting visit to the
families.
By all accounts, the explosion that took the lives of these 29 miners
should never have happened in this time, in this modern era.
To quote the Mine Safety and Health Administration's administrator
for coal mine safety and health, Kevin Stricklin, who fought every
hour, 24 hours a day, to help find our coal miners, ``All explosions
are preventable. It's just making sure you have things in place to keep
one from occurring. It's quite evident that something went very wrong
here.''
{time} 1330
There are multiple layers of laws and regulations in place to prevent
such a disaster. There are modern technologies. There were repeated,
persistent inspections. And yet 29 men perished and one is hanging on
in the hospital. That this deadly explosion occurred is infuriatingly,
frustratingly heartbreaking, and I am determined that we will get to
the bottom of it and ensure that steps are taken to prevent a
recurrence of this type of explosion. We owe it to the miners who
perished in Raleigh County last week. We owe it to their families. We
owe it to their coworkers.
So many strong and tough West Virginians came together to pray and to
help these families. Our West Virginia State Police stood by every
family's side to help in any way they could. The American Red Cross,
Billy Graham's Crusade, family members of previous mine disaster
victims, and most importantly, our ministers, our pastors, our West
Virginia Council of Churches, all who came from all over our great
State to counsel, to cry, and to call upon God, who above all else will
guide these families through this healing process.
With that inner strength that comes to the West Virginia people, we
will get through this tragedy together. We will hold accountable those
who failed our miners, so help me God.
Today the House of Representatives honors the 29 miners lost in
Raleigh County last week. We express the condolences of our Nation to
their families, and we recognize above all the valiant efforts of the
rescue workers, those who placed their lives on the line to save other
lives, who answered the call the other day. Our first responders, our
paramedics, our law enforcement personnel all came together.
May the Good Lord keep our lost miners, may He care for their
families, and bless those rescue personnel who risked their own lives
in service to others. And may He watch over each and every coal miner
who continues to work and continues to walk in the wake of risk in
service to our Nation.
Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Every day thousands of men and women go to work in coal mines to
bring electricity to our homes to make our lives easier, more
comfortable. The working conditions for these miners are anything but
comfortable or easy. I rise today to honor their work, and sadly, the
sacrifice of 29 men last Monday in the Upper Big Branch Mine.
This resolution offers our condolences to these miners' families as
well as the Nation mourns with them. It is also a time to pledge that
we will work with the Federal agencies tasked to investigate this
accident, determine the cause, and take the appropriate actions.
On Monday, April 5, we watched as mine rescue teams and mine safety
officials descended on Whitesville, West Virginia, to go into the Upper
Big Branch Mine. The frustration was apparent as rescue teams attempted
to reach refuge chambers that night, but were unable to proceed far
enough into the mine because of the dangerous levels of gases. Mourning
began for seven families who knew immediately that their loved ones
were killed by the blast. And then the agonizing waiting began.
For a week, families waited for news of those who might have made it
to safety and those who had not. Four missing miners had the slightest
hope that they were safely barricaded in a chamber. The miracle that we
hoped for did not happen.
We cannot, however, forget the tireless efforts of the mine rescue
teams and the government officials who worked around the clock to reach
those trapped. Mine rescue teams volunteer their time to train for the
unthinkable, to put themselves in harm's way. The burden of recovery
falls on these miners as they try to bring closure to the families by
bringing their loved ones home one more time. We honor their courage in
these very trying circumstances.
I urge my colleagues to vote ``aye'' on House Resolution 1236,
mourning the loss of miners in the Upper Big
[[Page H2539]]
Branch Mine, and honoring those participating in the rescue and the
recovery operations.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman
from West Virginia (Mr. Mollohan).
Mr. MOLLOHAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California for
yielding, and I thank him also for his leadership on mine safety and
workplace safety.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank the sponsor of this
resolution, my colleague from West Virginia's Third Congressional
District, Nick Rahall. Coal miners and the coal industry have no
greater champion than the chairman of the Natural Resources Committee,
Chairman Rahall.
Mr. Speaker, tragedy has visited West Virginia's coal mines again. It
is a visitor our State knows all too well. The names of the communities
change with each visit, and the years do as well. Monongah in 1907,
Dola in 1963, Farmington in 1968, Sago in 2006, and now Raleigh County,
April 2010. The names change, Mr. Speaker, but the grief and the
sorrow, they stay exactly the same. The mother who lost her son last
week is united with the sister who lost her brother in 1968 and the
daughter who lost her father in 1907.
Mr. Speaker, shy of 2 million people live in my State. Maybe one in
90 earns a living as a coal miner in the coal fields. Most West
Virginias have never been underground, and most never will be. But
every one of us lives with the knowledge and the full appreciation of
what can go wrong whenever a new shift of miners goes underground. Coal
mining is not just my State's most important industry, it is central to
our culture and our social identity. When tragedy visits one of our
communities, it visits our entire State. It brings us together. It
reminds us in sometimes a difficult life we can always look to that
larger community for support.
We saw those bonds in the rescue crews last week battling fatigue and
risking their lives. We see those bonds in the volunteers on-site in
Raleigh County today. And we see those bonds in the churches and the
union halls and the schools throughout the State, wherever West
Virginians come together.
There is hard work ahead of us and there is pragmatic work ahead of
us. The engineers and the experts, they will come and they will analyze
what went wrong in Raleigh County last week. This Congress will debate
what went wrong last week. We will assign responsibility. And we will
consider what actions are necessary to make the hard work of taking
coal from the ground less dangerous, to do all that is possible to
prevent such future tragedies. That will be the most lasting
testimonial we can offer those who lost their lives in Raleigh County.
But today we acknowledge their loss, we thank those who tried to save
them, we offer our deepest condolences to the miners' families, and we
come together again in support of our community.
Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may
consume to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Kline), the ranking member
of the Education and Labor Committee.
Mr. KLINE of Minnesota. I thank the gentlelady for yielding.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleagues to honor the memory of
the 29 miners who lost their lives in the Upper Big Branch Mine, and to
express our gratitude to the rescue teams who bravely pursued a tragic
recovery mission. The Nation watched in collective apprehension last
week as mine rescue teams rushed from the coal fields of Appalachia to
the small town of Whitesville to help their own. For a week we all
clung to the hope that four missing miners might have found refuge. It
was not to be.
Over the weekend, the mine rescue teams performed a more solemn duty,
bringing these men out of the mine one final time. Under the best
conditions mining is dangerous work. After an explosion the mines are
even more treacherous. Mine rescue teams undertake rigorous training
and exercise valiant resolve. Today we recognize their bravery in the
face of danger and tragedy. H. Res. 1236 honors their commitment to
service.
Chairman Miller has announced our intention to investigate this
tragedy and seek answers on behalf of the families and the entire
mining community. Our focus must be to determine what caused this
devastating loss so we can prevent it from ever happening again.
The cameras have gone elsewhere and this tragedy has faded from the
hourly broadcasts. For the families, however, the devastation of the
Upper Big Branch Mine will never disappear. With this resolution we
offer our condolences, we honor their loved ones, and we pledge our
commitment to get to the bottom of this.
Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 3
minutes.
As my colleagues have recounted, on Monday, April 5, an explosion
rocked the Upper Big Branch Coal Mine in Montcoal, West Virginia,
killing 29 miners and injuring others. This was the worst mine disaster
in the United States in almost four decades. For over two centuries,
millions of West Virginians' livelihoods have depended on extracting
the State's richest coal deposits.
Coal has left an indelible mark on the communities throughout West
Virginia and Appalachia. For many of these communities, the mine may be
the only way to earn a decent living. These miners are proud of their
work and their contribution to the American economy. Coal is in their
blood, it is in their tradition, and it is their career.
But we also know that underground mining is one of the most dangerous
jobs in the world. Every day miners show up for their shift knowing
that there is a chance that they may not return to their families, yet
they show up every day. At 3:30 p.m., during the shift change, a
massive explosion ripped through the Upper Big Branch Mine and took the
lives of 29 miners and sent others to the hospital. While the cause of
this tragedy is still under investigation, today we memorialize those
29 miners who perished.
Our Nation sends our deepest condolences to those who have suffered
this terrible loss. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to families who
have lost a husband, a father, a brother, a son, or more. Those
thoughts are with you and your communities in your suffering these
devastating losses. These losses will remain long after the headlines
fade from national attention.
Today we also recognize the valiant efforts of the many rescue teams,
who in many cases traveled long distances and risked their lives in
hopes of saving their fellow miners. Many rescuers had to evacuate the
mine at least four times as a result of explosive levels of methane
gas. These brave men and women, who worked around the clock day after
day, have the appreciation of this Congress and this Nation for their
selfless efforts.
I would also like to recognize Congressman Nick Rahall, who grew up
in Beckley, West Virginia, only a few miles south of the mine.
Congressman Rahall sponsored this resolution and provided the much-
needed rock of support for his constituents during this disaster.
Reports have come back to me of his consoling and listening to
families, neighbors, and friends in his community. I know how much
these families appreciate his support and those efforts.
Over the last few years I have met many families who have suffered
similar tragic losses in mining disasters. And what I have learned is
that the impacts of these disasters far range what we see in the
general society because of the history of these communities, the
culture of these communities, the work ethic in these communities.
These tragedies spread across in an indelible way with the loss of a
single miner.
In the face of these overwhelming tragedies, these families are
showing incredible strength and determination. I made a promise to the
families of Sago, to Aracoma Alma, to Darby, to Crandall Canyon that we
would do everything in our power to uncover the cause of these
tragedies and do everything possible to prevent other miners from
suffering these similar fates. I want to extend that same promise to
these families of Upper Big Branch Mine and to the miners in the
community, that we will continue that promise and to get to the bottom
of this tragic incident.
They paid the ultimate price in doing the job our Nation depends
upon. Every miner who goes to work every day must be able to return
home safely to their families at the end of that shift. And Congress
has an obligation to ensure that that remains the case.
[[Page H2540]]
I reserve the balance of my time.
Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may
consume to the gentlewoman from West Virginia (Mrs. Capito).
{time} 1345
Mrs. CAPITO. I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me the time.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my fellow West Virginians and those of
us in this Congress in support of today's resolution to extend our
condolences to the families of the 29 miners who were killed in last
week's mine disaster in Montcoal, West Virginia.
I would like to thank my colleague, Congressman Rahall, for his
steadfast support, his compassion, and his empathy for those in his
district who have suffered an unimaginable loss. His strength and
compassion was very evident to all of us who watched the activities as
they unfolded in Raleigh County.
I would also like to thank our Governor, Governor Manchin. He was a
stalwart comforter in chief to many of us because, as my fellow
colleagues from West Virginia has said, if one West Virginian suffers,
we all suffer.
I would also like to thank the outstanding efforts of the mine rescue
teams and the many volunteers who provided their support and prayers.
The accident that occurred at Performance Coal Company's Upper Big
Branch mine has taken an immense toll on all West Virginians and left a
community shattered, very sad, and very shaken. After 6 days of waiting
for any news, rescue workers located the four missing miners and found
no survivors. While we were all hoping for a miracle, unfortunately, we
were left with the sad conclusion.
Too many families have suffered the tragic loss of losing a loved one
in a mine disaster. Last week's explosion was the worst mining disaster
in an American mine in 40 years and the third major mining disaster in
West Virginia in the last 4 years. An explosion at the Sago mine in my
district on January 2, 2006, trapped 13 miners for nearly 2 days. By
the grace of God, one miner survived.
We cannot forget the grief and suffering of the families, friends,
and coworkers of all the miners who have died. These are deaths that
can and must be prevented. The rescue workers were valiant, working
around the clock to find their fallen brothers and to help the families
in their horrible time of grief.
Following Sago, Congress rightly passed stricter mine safety
regulations to enhance inspector programs, improve emergency response,
and put in place protections to prevent future mine disasters. To
ensure that all mines receive regular inspection, Congress has
increased MSHA funding, because MSHA had been unable to meet these
mandated responsibilities.
However, new rules and regulations are useless if they are not
enforced. The coal companies must be vigilant and must follow the rules
in every case. No excuses. Keeping our miners safe requires a
collaborative approach between the regulators and the mining industry.
Both must expand their health and safety programs to prevent hazards
from starting in the first place. Otherwise, reforms Congress clearly
intended to address with the passage of the MINER Act will be rendered
meaningless. Congress has a very important oversight role in
scrutinizing issues that lead to this disaster.
There must be, and I am sure there will be, a very thorough
investigation into this tragedy to determine what further action must
be taken to prevent this from ever happening again. I vow to take
whatever measures are necessary to ensure the safety and health of our
coal miners.
I join today with my colleagues and really the entire Nation to
extend our condolences to those families of the lost miners and to the
communities surrounding. This is a devastating loss for all of us, and
the warmth and prayers that have been sent to those of us living in
West Virginia and particularly in the Montcoal area are welcomed and
well received.
I ask my colleagues to join me in passing this resolution.
Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to
the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey), subcommittee chairman of
Workforce Protections.
Ms. WOOLSEY. This resolution rightly honors the 29 courageous coal
miners who were senselessly killed in the explosion at the Upper Big
Branch mine in Raleigh County, West Virginia, last week; and it
supports those family members left behind. Our deepest sympathies go
out to these families, and we also hope for the speedy recovery of the
two miners who were injured.
Miners, like all working people, are the basis for America's future.
And it is true that miners work in a very dangerous profession, but
there is absolutely no excuse for a tragedy like this one. We don't
know yet the cause of this explosion, but the investigations have
begun.
We do know, however, that Massey Energy, the mine owner, was cited
for 450 safety violations in the year 2009 for the Upper Big Branch
mine. Massey contested most of these citations, keeping the violations
in legal limbo and preventing MSHA from establishing a pattern of
violations that could have led to a shutdown of the mine; and it could
have increased scrutiny of this owner and possibly prevented these
disasters.
These appeals filed by the companies like Massey have created a
tremendous backlog at the MSHA Review Commission, a backlog that has
increased from 1,500 cases in the year 2005 to 16,000 cases today. The
Review Commission does not have the resources to resolve a backlog of
this size in a timely fashion, so we as Members of Congress immediately
must provide the background and the legal authority for more funds to
hire more administrative law judges so that we can expedite the appeals
process.
In addition to scrutinizing Massey Energy's role in this disaster, we
need to look at MSHA's role as well. Is MSHA using all the authority it
has under current law to prevent these explosions? Does MSHA need more
authority to carry out their mission? As the chair of the Workforce
Protection Subcommittee, I will be working closely with Chairman
Miller, with Ranking Member Kline, and Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers
and Representative Rahall and all of the others in this Congress, which
is probably 435 of us, knowing that we must take the steps that are
necessary to prevent any future mining disasters.
Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to
the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hare).
Mr. HARE. Mr. Speaker, on April 5, 29 hardworking men--fathers,
brothers, sons, and husbands--left home for a day at work. All thought
they would return home safely to their families that night, but, sadly,
they didn't.
I stand in solidarity with my colleagues from West Virginia and all
across this Nation in honoring the 29 coal miners that were lost.
I wish to express my deepest sympathies to each of the families of
the workers who perished in the West Virginia mine explosion. I know
the loss you have experienced will stay with you forever, and I hope
that you can take some solace in knowing that all Americans share in
your grief.
I would also like to take this opportunity to express my utmost
gratitude to the rescue teams who have so tirelessly and heroically
risked their own lives in an effort to save others. Your bravery does
not go unnoticed and is appreciated by all Americans.
The explosion at the Upper Big Branch mine was America's worst mining
disaster in 40 years, and the toll on all West Virginians has been
devastating. It requires us to again ask our colleagues on both sides
of the aisle, with four mine disasters in the last 4 years, how many
more tragedies have to occur before we start taking mine safety more
seriously and implement strong reforms to protect all of our miners?
I ask my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to work with Chairman
Miller and Chairwoman Woolsey to honor these miners through action.
While we cannot bring back the men that were lost, we can do more to
advance the cause of workplace safety across this country; and we
should start by ensuring that MSHA has the tools, the staff, and
technology to prevent tragedies such as these. The report yesterday
that a computer error prevented Upper Big Branch mine from
[[Page H2541]]
being identified as a risk is deeply disturbing and completely and
totally unacceptable. All Americans deserve to work in a place that is
safe, and we must take whatever steps are necessary to ensure a
disaster like this will never happen again.
Again, I want to join my colleagues in expressing my deepest
condolences to those affected by this devastating tragedy. I assure
each of the affected families and communities that your loss will not
be forgotten and the memory of these coal miners will inspire me and my
colleagues to take bold action on mine safety.
I thank the gentleman for the time.
Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the
gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall).
Mr. RAHALL. I thank the chairman for yielding.
I rise simply to thank my many colleagues in this body on both sides
of the aisle that have expressed their condolences this week in the
debate that has just occurred or rather to me personally or in phone
calls. I know that my colleague from northern West Virginia,
Representative Mollohan, called every day for a status update; and I
appreciate the gentlewoman from the Second District, Representative
Capito's, comments.
But most importantly, Mr. Speaker, I do recognize the work of the
distinguished chairman of the Education and Labor Committee, my dear
friend George Miller. We worked together following previous disasters
that have been referenced during this debate, the Sago and Aracoma
disasters that occurred in West Virginia as well about 4 years ago.
Reference has been made to the MINERS Act that was passed following
past disasters. Many good parts of that were put in place by our
operators across the State and were in place at this particular mine.
Unfortunately, due to the severe nature of this blast, these features
did not have a chance to trigger or to come into play. So something
else needs to be done to prevent these disasters.
I salute the chairman again.
Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 30
seconds.
I appreciate the remarks of the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr.
Rahall). But, tragically, we have been through this before. It's
clearly the intent of the chair to work with the entire delegation. I
tried to state it, maybe not as articulately as I had hoped to, but we
fully understand that these tragedies in the mining community are felt
across the State. They are felt across the region. The deaths may be
isolated, but because of the history and the culture and the economy of
these regions, we know that they are felt across the region, and we
expect to work with the entire delegation and with the Senate
delegation as we try to uncover what has taken place here with the
tragedy that existed.
With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the Speaker of the House,
the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi).
Ms. PELOSI. I thank the chairman for yielding. I thank him for his
leadership on this important issue and the attention that he has called
to it over time and the focus that he has had since day one when we
learned of this tragedy.
I want to join our colleagues, Chairman Rahall, in whose district
this tragedy occurred, Mr. Mollohan and Mrs. Capito to extend
condolences to them. Because while this occurred in Mr. Rahall's
district, I know the grief is felt throughout the State of West
Virginia as it is being felt throughout our country.
Mr. Speaker, today in towns across Raleigh County, West Virginia,
flags are flying at half staff. Their residents are mourning the loss
of their fathers, brothers, and sons in last week's deadly mine
explosion in Montcoal. Since then, people across our country have cried
for them, have joined in the mourning; and today in the Congress we
officially join these proud Americans in expressing our deepest
condolences for the loss of 29 coal miners, 29 coal miners, in the
worst mining accident in four decades.
We do so led by Chairman Nick Rahall, who has been on the scene of
this catastrophe the last 1\1/2\ weeks. Congressman Rahall has prayed
with his constituents, and he has consoled them. He has committed to
work for better conditions, vigorous oversight of the mining industry,
and rigorous enforcement of safety standards for America's mines. In
doing so, he has worked with our chairman, Mr. Miller, in this regard.
As Congressman Rahall and other West Virginia leaders, including
Congressman Mollohan and Congresswoman Capito, often remind us, this
Nation is indebted to our coal miners for the difficult and dangerous
work they do. Their contributions are a rich part of our Nation's
history. Their labor makes our way of life possible.
But, last week, 29 families received a phone call that every coal
miner's family fears; and as the communities of West Virginia grieved,
the Nation grieved with them.
{time} 1400
Now, with this tragedy first in our minds, we must redouble our
efforts to minimize the risks to our mine workers and to ensure that
they can do their jobs without a threat to their well-being.
When this tragedy occurred, I called Mr. Rahall, and his concerns
were very personal about the families who were affected. I called the
President of the United Mine Workers, Cecil Roberts, a visionary leader
in our country, and his concerns were about the families.
But as we move away from that tragedy, our concern for the families
must be reflected in our decisions here and the insistence that we have
on upholding standards. We must, as I say, redouble our efforts to
minimize the risk to those workers.
Today we acknowledge the brave efforts of their fellow coal miners
who were part of the response team and other first responders who
worked tirelessly in the hope of rescue and bravely on behalf of
recovery.
Mr. Speaker, many of the families who lost miners this week have
spoken of their deep faith and how that has comforted them.
On this House floor this morning, we were led in prayer by Bishop
Simms from West Virginia, Mr. Rahall's constituent, and he shared with
us how faith can see us all through, especially these families. On this
House floor today we join them knowing that 29 brave souls are now in a
better place.
Again, our condolences to every member of those families. To the
communities, as Mr. Cecil Roberts said to us, we are all one family
here in the mining community. I know Mr. Rahall expressed that
sentiment to me as well.
Well, at a time like this it's important for the families of West
Virginia and the coal mining community to know that, as a Nation, we
are one family with them as well. I hope it is a comfort to them that
so many people in our country mourn their loss and are praying for them
at this sad time.
Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of the
time.
I urge support for this resolution which honors the 29 men who
perished in the Upper Big Branch Mine. These men were simply doing
their job, extracting the coal that powers the Nation.
We recognize the Red Cross workers, volunteers and others in this
close-knit community who banded together in a time of tragedy. We
commend the rescue teams who went in after their brothers in the hope
of bringing them to safety and with a commitment to bringing them home.
And we express our condolences to the family members who lost those
that they loved so dearly. It has been said today that West Virginians
stand together in times of tragedy. Today we stand together with them.
I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my
colleagues to support this resolution. I thank the gentlewoman for her
presentation of this resolution, and for all of those who participated
in the debate.
Mr. SPACE. Mr. Speaker, it is with the deepest sadness that I offer
my condolences to the families of the 29 brave mineworkers who perished
on April 5, 2010. I have been holding these families in my thoughts and
my prayers.
For those of us representing Appalachia, this news is particularly
saddening. The history
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of our region will forever be linked to the mining of coal, a
connection for which I hold great pride. For generations, residents of
my district have fed their families from work in these mines, as they
will for generations to come.
The loss of a miner is the loss of a brother and a friend. This loss
cuts deep into the soul of our Appalachian towns and communities.
The deaths of these miners must not be in vain--we must take lessons
from this tragedy to create a better future for mineworkers everywhere.
The mineworkers of Appalachia deserve to go to work each day with peace
of mind that their workplace is safe. Events like those that transpired
earlier this month shake that trust, and we must determine the cause of
the event if we are to properly ensure their future safety and to
ensure the strength of the coal mining industry.
While we are truly blessed to live in a country bestowed with great
resources, we hold a responsibility to protect those who risk life and
limb to harvest them in the name of a greater, stronger nation. The
strength of our Nation is a reflection of how we treat these soldiers
of the coal mines, and we all must work to ensure their safety.
Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller) that the House suspend
the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1236.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the
yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.
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